Rocky Ford, Colorado Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Rocky Ford, Colorado had a total population of 3,815, the 131st largest city in Colorado, with a median household income of $40,655, which is 57% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 31.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 57% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (31.7%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 11.5% is notably above the national average.
Rocky Ford Quick Facts
How Rocky Ford Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,843 | 3,815 | -0.7% |
| Median household income | $35,658 | $40,655 | +14.0% |
| Median home value | $126,100 | $143,900 | +14.1% |
How Rocky Ford Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 52 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rocky Ford Rankings in Colorado
Explore Colorado Rankings
Other Cities in Otero County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Junta | 7,140 | $52,315 | 27.4% | $194,800 |
| Fowler | 936 | $44,048 | 18.5% | $143,900 |
| North La Junta | 535 | $47,941 | 5.1% | $120,800 |
| Swink | 422 | $44,219 | 6.6% | $163,000 |
| Manzanola | 361 | $36,010 | 8.6% | $128,300 |
| Cheraw | 188 | $52,857 | 14.9% | $125,000 |
| La Junta Gardens | 112 | $83,701 | 0.0% | $230,300 |
Cities Similar to Rocky Ford
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence | 3,885 | $50,262 | $249,700 | 17.1% | 12.2% |
| Yuma | 3,459 | $48,338 | $165,500 | 17.5% | 31.5% |
| Lincoln Park | 3,986 | $60,036 | $295,800 | 23.6% | 13.9% |
| Monte Vista | 4,141 | $61,684 | $224,500 | 37.2% | 30.9% |
| Orchard City | 3,221 | $55,960 | $324,300 | 19.2% | 21.4% |
Population Overview
Rocky Ford is a small community located in Colorado, within Otero County. The total population is 3,815. It ranks as the 131st most populous out of 472 Census-designated places in Colorado.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rocky Ford is 42.3 years. This is 12% higher than the state median of 37.7 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rocky Ford is $40,655. This is 57% lower than the state median of $95,470. It is also 50% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 31.7%. This is 235% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.4%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.5%. This is 148% higher than the state rate of 4.6%. The median home value is $143,900. Housing costs are 73% lower than the state median of $539,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 62.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% lower than the state average of 66.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rocky Ford is Hispanic or Latino, making up 66.8% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 30.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (30.2%) is well below the state average of 64.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (66.8% vs 22.5%).
Education
13.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 72% lower than the state rate of 45.7%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rocky Ford, Colorado is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Colorado state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 472 Census-designated places in Colorado. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rocky Ford, Colorado?
Rocky Ford, Colorado has a population of 3,815 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rocky Ford, CO?
The median household income in Rocky Ford is $40,655, which is 50% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Rocky Ford, CO?
The poverty rate in Rocky Ford is 31.7%. This means approximately 1,179 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rocky Ford, Colorado?
Rocky Ford's population is 30.2% White, 0.0% Black, 66.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rocky Ford, CO?
The median home value in Rocky Ford is $143,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is Rocky Ford, Colorado?
13.0% of adults (25+) in Rocky Ford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.